Tunable Porosity Research Articles

Metal–Organic Frameworks as Fillers in Porous Organic Polymer-Based Hybrid Materials: Innovations in Composition, Processing, and Applications

Hybrid materials based on porous organic polymers (POPs) and metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are increasing attention for advanced separation processes due to the possibility to combine their properties. POPs provide high surface areas, chemical stability, and tunable porosity, while MOFs contribute a high variety of defined crystalline structures and enhanced separation characteristics. The combination (or hybridization) with PIMs gives rise to mixed-matrix membranes (MMMs) with improved permeability, selectivity, and long-term stability. However, interfacial compatibility remains a key limitation, often addressed through polymer functionalization or controlled dispersion of the MOF phase. MOF/COF hybrids are more used as biochemical sensors with elevated sensitivity, catalytic applications, and wastewater remediation. They are also very well known in the gas sorption and separation field, due to their tunable porosity and high electrical conductivity, which also makes them feasible for energy storage applications. Last but not less important, hybrids with other POPs, such as hyper-crosslinked polymers (HCPs), covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), or conjugated microporous polymers (CMPs), offer enhanced functionality. MOF/HCP hybrids combine ease of synthesis and chemical robustness with tunable porosity. MOF/CTF hybrids provide superior thermal and chemical stability under harsh conditions, while MOF/CMP hybrids introduce π-conjugation for enhanced conductivity and photocatalytic activity. These and other findings confirm the potential of MOF-POP hybrids as next-generation materials for gas separation and carbon capture applications.

Phase Equilibrium Regulation in ZIF-67-Derived Electrocatalysts: Degradation Mechanism and Stability Enhancement for Oxygen Evolution Reaction.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) like ZIF-67 are promising electrocatalysts due to their tunable structures and porosity, but their instability in aqueous electrolytes requires a deeper understanding. This study investigates the structural evolution and degradation mechanism of ZIF-67 during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Using atomic-resolution identical-location transmission electron microscopy, we reveal its transformation pathway: ZIF-67 first converts to Co(OH)2, then progressively evolves into catalytically active CoOOH and inactive CoO species, ultimately establishing a dynamic three-phase equilibrium under operational conditions. Prolonged cycling drives the irreversible conversion of Co(OH)2 to CoO, depleting the Co(OH)2 reservoir required to sustain the active CoOOH phase via equilibrium dynamics. By lowering the reaction temperature (e.g., to 0 °C), Co(OH)2 preservation improves stability, reducing overpotential increases after 5000 cycles to just 9 mV (10 mA cm-2) and 15 mV (100 mA cm-2), outperforming room-temperature performance. These insights highlight phase equilibrium regulation as a key strategy for enhancing the MOF-derived catalyst durability.

Active Sites under Electronic Effect Are More Sensitive to Microenvironment in CO2 Electroreduction.

Tailoring the structure of the active sites and engineering the microenvironment to tune catalytic performance are both at the forefront of catalysis. Yet, design principles bridging the two remain missing. Here, we synthesize a platform consisting of well-defined cubic Cu nanocrystals with an oxide coating of tunable porosity, here alumina. We indicate that varying the porosity modulates the relative importance of the native geometric effect and the introduced interfacial electronic effect. We link the change in porosity to the catalytic behavior in the electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction. In particular, we use the shift in selectivity as a key descriptor to show that the electronic effect overrules the geometric effect with increasing porosity. We find that a balance between geometric and electronic effects optimizes the intrinsic catalytic reactivity. Importantly, we use this platform to propose that active sites under electronic effect are more sensitive to the change in microenvironment, here exemplified by alkali cations in the electrolyte. The fundamental insights gathered through the proposed catalytic platform stimulate future discussion on linking the nature of the active sites and the microenvironment engineering.

Electrospinning Enables Opportunity for Green and Effective Antibacterial Coatings of Medical Devices

The growing antimicrobial resistance and the increasing environmental concerns associated with conventional antibacterial agents have prompted a search for more effective and sustainable alternatives. Biopolymer-based nanofibers are promising candidates to produce environment-friendly antibacterial coatings, owing to their high surface-to-volume ratio, structural adaptability, and tunable porosity. These features make them particularly well-suited for delivering antimicrobial agents in a controlled manner and for physically modifying the surface of medical devices. This review critically explores recent advances in the use of electrospun fibers enhanced with natural antimicrobial agents as eco-friendly surface coatings. The mechanisms of antibacterial action, key factors affecting their efficacy, and comparisons with conventional antibacterial agents are discussed herein. Emphasis is placed on the role of a “green electrospinning” process, which utilizes bio-based materials and nontoxic solvents, to enable coatings able to better combat antibiotic-resistant pathogens. Applications in various clinical settings, including implants, wound dressings, surgical textiles, and urinary devices, are explored. Finally, the environmental benefits and prospects for the scalability and sustainability of green coatings are discussed to underscore their relevance to next-generation, sustainable solutions in healthcare.

Fabrication of Fe3O4@UiO-66-NH2-QCA-CuCl2 nanocomposites as a novel magnetic metal–organic framework catalyst for sustainable synthesis of 2,3-diarylquinolines

In this study, a novel magnetic metal–organic framework catalyst, Fe3O4@UiO-66-NH2-QCA-CuCl2, was successfully fabricated and thoroughly characterized to confirm its structural and functional properties. The catalyst combines the high surface area and tunable porosity of the UiO-66-NH2 framework with the magnetic properties of Fe3O4 and the catalytic activity of copper (II) complexes. Advanced spectroscopic techniques such as FT-IR, XRD, SEM, TEM, VSM, EDX, TGA, BET and elemental mapping were employed to identify its structure and ensure the successful integration of each component. This hybrid catalyst was applied in the efficient synthesis of 2,3-dihydroquinoline derivatives through a three-component reaction involving aryl aldehydes, aryl amines, and aryl epoxides in an ionic liquid solvent. The reaction proceeded under mild conditions and achieved excellent yields within one hour, demonstrating the catalyst’s high activity, selectivity, and recyclability. This work highlights the potential of Fe3O4@UiO-66-NH2-QCA-CuCl2 as a versatile and sustainable catalyst for the green synthesis of biologically important heterocyclic.Graphical abstract

Metal-Organic Framework (MOF)-Derived Metal Oxides for Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) of NOx.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are a novel type of porous crystalline materials assembled from metal ions and organic linkers. Their derivatives can inherit characteristics such as high specific surface area, tunable porosity, and unique topological structures, which make MOF-derived metal oxides ideal catalysts for the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) of NOx. This review focuses on the synthetic strategies of MOF-derived metal oxides and the latest progress of oxides derived from various typical MOFs materials (including MILs, ZIFs, UiO, BTC series, MOF-74, MOF-5, and Prussian blue analogs, etc.) in the catalytic reduction in NOx, and analyzes the mechanisms for the enhanced catalytic performance. In addition, the challenges and prospects of MOF derivatives in catalytic applications are discussed. It is hoped that this review will help researchers understand the latest research progress of MOF-derived metal oxide materials in the catalytic removal of NOx pollution.

Hierarchically MOF-Based Porous Monolith Composites for Atmospheric Water Harvesting.

Water scarcity, a critical global challenge, has intensified due to the adverse effects of climate change on ecosystems and its detrimental impact on human activities. Addressing this issue requires solutions capable of providing clean water in regions facing hydroclimatic challenges and limited infrastructure. Atmospheric water harvesting (AWH) offers a promising solution, particularly in arid regions, by extracting moisture from the air. This review explores AWH technologies that leverage material porosity and hygroscopicity, focusing on highly porous materials such as Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and monolithic scaffolds. While MOFs exhibit exceptional water uptake due to their tunable chemistry and nanoscale porosity, their powdery nature poses stability and processability challenges. To overcome these limitations, integrating MOFs into multiscale porous monoliths-such as foams, aerogels, cryogels, and xerogels-enhances structural integrity and performance. The role of hierarchical porosity, engineered across nano-scale in MOF (<2 nm) and micro-scales (>2 nm) is emphasized in porous monoliths, in optimizing water capture efficiency. This review also highlights recent advancements in MOF-based composite monoliths, their working mechanisms, and the potential for large-scale implementation. By integrating nanotechnology with material chemistry, this work outlines strategies to enhance sorption capacity, desorption kinetics, and scalability, ultimately providing a roadmap for developing efficient, sustainable, and scalable AWH systems.

Shock wave energy absorption via structural phase transition and bond breakage in metal-organic frameworks.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are nanoporous materials with a tunable structure and high porosity, making them attractive for mechanical energy absorption applications. This study explores shock-induced structural transitions and energy absorption in ZIF-8 and SALEM-2 using ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations and density functional theory. Results reveal a phase transition at pressures below 1GPa, characterized by pore collapse, amorphization, and alterations in electronic and bonding structures. Thermodynamic analyses attribute the transition to enthalpy-driven mechanisms and increased entropy. SALEM-2 exhibits superior shock attenuation, attributed to greater volume reduction and extensive bond breakage, underscoring the role of linker chemistry. The ability of MOFs to absorb shock arises from dramatic volume reductions facilitated by bond bending and the sacrificial breaking of metal-linker coordination bonds, with moderate increases in internal energy compared to dense solids. This work provides molecular-level insights into MOF-based shock attenuation and guides the design of optimized MOFs for enhanced mechanical energy absorption.

Revolutionizing Energy Technologies With Electrospun‐Polymer Nanofibers: From Lithium‐Ion Batteries to Self‐Powered Systems

ABSTRACTThe global demand for sustainable, high‐performance energy systems has accelerated the development of advanced materials capable of enhancing energy storage and harvesting technologies. Among these, electrospun polymer nanofibers have emerged as a transformative platform due to their high surface area, tunable porosity, mechanical flexibility, and compositional versatility. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent advancements in the application of electrospun polymer nanofibers across a wide range of energy technologies, including lithium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, fuel cells, piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs), and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). The review begins with a historical perspective and the fundamental principles of electrospinning, followed by detailed discussions of how nanofiber design and functionalization strategies improve electrochemical performance, durability, and sustainability. Special attention is given to material innovations, hybrid structures, fabrication techniques, and real‐world case studies that highlight the practical impact of nanofiber‐based components. The review concludes by outlining current challenges and offering future perspectives on scalable manufacturing, multifunctional architectures, and the integration of eco‐friendly materials. By bridging materials science and energy engineering, this review aims to guide researchers in developing next‐generation energy devices that are efficient, flexible, and environmentally responsible.

Enhancing Thermal Conductivity in Electrospun Polymer Structures for Heat Management Applications

Over the past decade, enhancing the thermal conductivity of polymers has attracted growing attention as an innovative strategy to address the challenges of thermal energy management across diverse sectors. This interest stems not only from the inherent advantages of polymers, such as low weight, flexibility, and ease of processing, but also from their widespread use and established roles in numerous applications. Among available approaches, electrospinning has emerged as a promising method. It offers unique advantages for producing thermally conductive polymer fibers, mats, and yarns, such as enhanced polymer chain alignment, controlled filler distribution, and tunable porosity. Consequently, extensive research has been conducted in this area in recent years. Therefore, this review uniquely focuses on thermally conductive electrospun polymer structures, providing a comprehensive synthesis of advancements in this growing field. It begins with an overview of heat conduction mechanisms in polymers and composites, emphasizing key factors influencing thermal transport. The principles of electrospinning and its advantages for thermal conductivity enhancement are discussed, along with strategies to further improve their thermal performance. Additionally, measurement methods, existing challenges, and recent developments are examined. Finally, the review highlights emerging applications and outlines future research directions to guide continued innovation of high‐performance electrospun polymer materials.

Nanoscale synthesis of nickel oxide@carboxy methyl cellulose@nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes supported metal organic frameworks ternary composite for use symmetric supercapacitor.

Nanoscale synthesis of nickel oxide@carboxy methyl cellulose@nitrogen doped carbon nanotubes supported metal organic frameworks ternary composite for use symmetric supercapacitor.

Advancing from MOFs and COFs to Functional Macroscopic Porous Constructs.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) are the highly porous rising stars of reticular chemistry. However, most face challenges such as poor macroscopic structuring capability, inadequate mechanical robustness, and inaccessible porosities for target reactants, which hinder their practical applications. This review explores various strategies to assemble MOFs and COFs into macroscopic 3D-structured multi-scale porous structures, such as aerogels, foams, and sponges. The methods discussed include direct mixing, self-shaping, in situ growth, template-assisted approaches, and 3D printing. These strategies enable macroscopic MOF or COF porous structures to achieve excellent mechanical strength and tunable porosity from the molecular level and micro-scale up to the macroscopic level. This structural tunability allows the MOF or COF porous structures to outperform their neat powders by making their micro- and meso-porosities more accessible to target reactants. Such improvements pave the way for the functionality of MOF or COF species at larger scales, addressing urgent societal needs, including environmental remediation, CO2 capturing, value-added catalytic reactions, water harvesting, electromagnetic (EM) shielding, and beyond.

Metal and Covalent Organic Frameworks Meet OB-GYN: Advancing Applications in Women's Health and Pregnancy Care.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and Covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) are promising materials for biomedical applications due to their high surface area, tunable porosity, and functional versatility. Functionalized or nanoparticle-containing MOFs and COFs have been largely explored in preclinical studies for drug delivery, photodynamic and photothermal therapies, and ROS generation targeting cancer cells, among others. Additionally, they have shown potential as carriers of imaging agents for precise biomarker identification and tumor detection. However, the application of nanomaterials in medicine, including MOFs and COFs, still does not meet the expectations set more than two decades ago. This is particularly important in the maternal-fetal field, where substantial maternal health risks during pregnancy and childbirth affect many women. Only recently a range of preliminary studies exist, as these risks have traditionally been viewed as inherent to pregnancy, leaving significant gaps in innovative solutions for women's health that nanomaterials have the potential to bridge. This review addresses this critical need, offering a summary of current research in obstetrics and gynecology and maternal-fetal applications of MOFs and COFs, identifying gaps, and aiming to guide future research to expand nanomedicine's impact in these areas.

Electrochemical Rheology-Induced Nanoarchitectonics with 2D-to-3D Transformation for Size-Tunable Graphene Oxide Mesotubes.

The transformation of promising two-dimensional (2D) materials into three-dimensional (3D) architectures is crucial for unlocking their full potential in advanced applications, as it enables enhanced structural integrity, tunable porosity, and improved functionality. However, a significant challenge in this process is preventing the undesired restacking of 2D nanosheets, which can severely limit their accessible surface area, hinder mass transport, and degrade their unique physicochemical properties. In this study, we investigate the electrochemically controlled formation of size-tunable 3D multiwalled graphene oxide (GO) mesotubes under shear flow conditions. Using a home-built electrochemical rheology setup, we systematically analyze the effects of applied potential on mesotube diameter, length, and band gap. Our findings reveal that increasing the positive potential enhances Al3+ ion dissolution, facilitating GO migration and leading to the formation of longer mesotubes, whereas negative potential suppresses mesotube growth by limiting Al3+ availability. Elemental and electrochemical analyses confirm the critical role of Al3+ ions as a structural binding bridge in the self-assembly process, directly influencing both mesotube morphology and electrochemical characteristics. This study provides valuable insights into the electrochemical regulation of GO mesotube formation, offering a viable strategy for tailoring mesotube dimensions and properties. The ability to precisely control mesotube growth expands their potential applications in energy storage, biosensing, and soft robotics, paving the way for novel electrochemically guided self-assembly techniques in graphene-based 3D materials.

Novel porphyrin covalent organic framework for sensitive fluorescence detection of Cd2+ in tap water and tea beverages.

Novel porphyrin covalent organic framework for sensitive fluorescence detection of Cd2+ in tap water and tea beverages.

Porous-Based Materials for High Power Density Thermal Energy Storage and Flexible Conversion: A Comprehensive Review.

Addressing the thermal challenges inherent in energy storage and conversion-driven by the demand for high energy and power density-is crucial for advancing carbon neutrality. Porous materials, characterized by their high surface area, tunable porosity, and nanometer-scale porous structure, offer exceptional performance due to their structural adaptability. This review presents a comprehensive analysis of the key methods for synthesizing and fabricating these materials, as well as the mechanisms underlying controllable thermal behavior. The review further explores their diverse applications in thermal energy storage (TES), with a focus on phase change material encapsulation and the stabilization of thermochemical reactions. Additionally, it introduces innovative decarbonization strategies, framed within traditional thermal energy conversion pathways. Finally, the challenges faced by porous materials used for TES and conversion in terms of preparation, application, and cost across multiple scales, providing references for the development of high-performance porous materials in the future are summarized.

Advanced Synthesis and Fabrication Strategies for 2D Mesoporous Carbon Materials in Energy Storage and Conversion

The growing global demand for efficient energy systems has heightened the need for advanced energy conversion and storage devices. Among emerging solutions, 2D mesoporous carbon materials have garnered significant attention due to their high surface area, tunable porosity, and excellent electrical properties. This review provides a comprehensive examination of recent advancements in the synthesis and fabrication of these materials. Key methods discussed include template‐assisted synthesis, chemical vapor deposition, and various activation techniques. Additionally, modern fabrication techniques such as electrospinning, spray drying, freeze drying, and inkjet printing are explored in depth. The review also covers characterization approaches, including structural, surface, and electrochemical analysis, and outlines applications in lithium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells. Finally, the article highlights existing challenges and future directions in the field of 2D mesoporous carbon materials for energy storage and conversion.

A cascade sensing platform of glucose oxidase loaded Fe-MOF functionalized via boric acid modification and defect engineering for H2O2 and glucose sensitive detection.

Of tunable porosity, high specific surface area and excellent stability, the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) as nanozyme capably not only catalyze the bio-substrate but load the natural enzyme, so as for the cascade catalyzation achievement. However, the limited mass transfer rate and natural enzyme abscission of MOFs are still fatal for the practical application. Herein, taking P-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) as a pore-size regulator and boronic acid (BA) as the bio-affinity sorbent, BA-MIL-100(Fe)-PABA of enlarged pores and better affinity was acquired as the peroxidase to ensure the efficient mass transfer and enzyme protection. Via the thorough investigation, the maximum reaction rate of H2O2 catalyzation by BA-MIL-100(Fe)-PABA was up to 2.62 × 10-7M·s-1 with as low as 0.357mM, along with the LOD of 0.77μM. Loading GOx, a cascade platform of GOx@BA-MIL-100(Fe)-PABA was subsequently obtained to detect the blood glucose stable-selectively, with the wide linear response range (0.025-1.5mM) and the LOD of 0.017mM. Therecycled catalytic activity of the platform was better68% during 12 cycles. A new method for constructing defective MOFs at room temperature was thus proposed to achieve an efficient mass transfer and a better bio-affinity for glucose detection with high sensitivity and selectivity, paving the way for more sensitive detection and advanced applications.

Surface-Confined Self-Assembly of Star-Shaped Tetratopic Molecules with Vicinal Interaction Centers

Precise control over the morphology of surface-supported supramolecular patterns is a significant challenge, requiring the careful selection of suitable molecular building blocks and the fine-tuning of experimental conditions. In this contribution, we demonstrate the utility of lattice Monte Carlo computer simulations for predicting the topology of adsorbed overlayers formed by star-shaped tetratopic molecules with vicinal interaction centers. The investigated tectons were found to self-assemble into a range of structurally diverse architectures, including two-dimensional crystals, aperiodic mosaics, Sierpiński-like aggregates, and one-dimensional strands. The theoretical insights presented herein deepen our understanding of molecular self-assembly and may aid in the rational design of novel nanomaterials with tunable porosity, chirality, connectivity, and molecular packing.

Empowering the Future: Cutting-Edge Developments in Supercapacitor Technology for Enhanced Energy Storage

The accelerating global demand for sustainable and efficient energy storage has driven substantial interest in supercapacitor technology due to its superior power density, fast charge–discharge capability, and long cycle life. However, the low energy density of supercapacitors remains a key bottleneck, limiting their broader application. This review provides a comprehensive and focused overview of the latest breakthroughs in supercapacitor research, emphasizing strategies to overcome this limitation through advanced material engineering and device design. We explore cutting-edge developments in electrode materials, including carbon-based nanostructures, metal oxides, redox-active polymers, and emerging frameworks such as metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and covalent organic frameworks (COFs). These materials offer high surface area, tunable porosity, and enhanced conductivity, which collectively improve the electrochemical performance. Additionally, recent advances in electrolyte systems—ranging from aqueous to ionic liquids and organic electrolytes—are critically assessed for their role in expanding the operating voltage window and enhancing device stability. The review also highlights innovations in device architectures, such as hybrid, asymmetric, and flexible supercapacitor configurations, that contribute to the simultaneous improvement of energy and power densities. We identify persistent challenges in scaling up nanomaterial synthesis, maintaining long-term operational stability, and integrating materials into practical energy systems. By synthesizing these state-of-the-art advancements, this review outlines a roadmap for next-generation supercapacitors and presents novel perspectives on the synergistic integration of materials, electrolytes, and device engineering. These insights aim to guide future research toward realizing high-energy, high-efficiency, and scalable supercapacitor systems suitable for applications in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and next-generation portable electronics.